Where did the Spice Route start and end?
A global spice route had been created: from Manila in the Philippines (Asia) to Seville in Spain (Europe), via Acapulco in Mexico (North America).
Why did Europeans want a direct route to the spice Islands?
In 1498, the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama made the first sea voyage from Europe to India, via the southernmost tip of Africa. The mission was driven by a desire to find a direct route to the places where spices were plentiful and cheap, cutting out the middlemen.
When did the Spice Route end?
In 1387 Sultan Barsbay,(1422-1438) established control of Alexandria and a monopoly on luxury goods and the pricing of spices, then in 1429 he insisted the spice trade to Europe pass through Cairo before reaching Alexandria, effectively closing off the spice trade route from the Red Sea to Alexandria.
Who brought spices to Europe?
Under the command of Pedro Álvares Cabral, a Portuguese expedition was the first to bring spices from India to Europe by way of the Cape of Good Hope in 1501. Portugal went on to dominate the naval trading routes through much of the 16th century.
How long did the Portuguese control the spice trade?
By the year 1511, the Portuguese were in control of the spice trade of the Malabar coast of India and Ceylon. Until the end of the 16th century, their monopoly on the spice trade to India was exceptionally profitable for the Portuguese.
Why were Europeans so interested in spices?
In the Middle Ages, Europeans lacked refrigeration and general hygiene, leading to food spoiling quickly. Spices were so important because they helped mask the flavor of not-so-fresh food.
Who controlled the spice trade in Europe?
Why were spices highly valued in Europe long ago?
During the Middle Ages, spices were as valuable in Europe as gold and gems and the single most important force driving the world’s economy. The lack of refrigeration and poor standards of hygiene meant that food often spoiled quickly and spices were in great demand to mask the flavour of food that was far from fresh.
When did spices reach Europe?
15th century
In the 15th century, spices came to Europe via the Middle East land and sea routes, and spices were in huge demand both for food dishes and for use in medicines. The problem was how to access this market by sea. Accordingly, explorers like Christopher Columbus (1451-1506) and Vasco da Gama (c.
Who started the spice trade?
Who monopolized the spice trade?
The Portuguese
The Portuguese in India By the year 1511, the Portuguese were in control of the spice trade of the Malabar coast of India and Ceylon. Until the end of the 16th century, their monopoly on the spice trade to India was exceptionally profitable for the Portuguese.
Where are the spice routes in the world?
They stretch from the west coast of Japan, through the islands of Indonesia, around India to the lands of the Middle East – and from there, across the Mediterranean to Europe. It is a distance of over 15,000 kilometres and, even today, is not an easy journey. From our very earliest history, people have travelled the Spice Routes.
Why was the spice trade routes important to the Europeans?
Venice’s hold of the trade route earned it massive profits which made it strong, powerful and well-developed. The spice trade routes were also important to the Europeans as it contributed to the development of Europe’s maritime capabilities.
What kind of spices were traded on the Silk Road?
Though the route derives its name from the lucrative trade in silk and horses, spices such as cassia, pepper and cinnamon were also traded along these routes. The Silk Road network of routes
How did spices get to the Middle East?
As early as 2000 BC, spices such as cinnamon from Sri Lanka and cassia from China found their way along the Spice Routes to the Middle East. Other goods were exchanged too – cargoes of ivory, silk, porcelain, metals and dazzling gemstones brought great profits to the traders who were prepared to risk the dangerous sea journeys.
